Systems and methods for encrypted vehicle data service exchanges

ABSTRACT

Encrypted vehicle data service exchanges are provided. In one embodiment, a vehicle communication manager comprises memory storing an embedded public key (EPK) for a data service; a processor executing a vehicle data service protocol to initiate a session with the data service. The protocol causes the processor to: transmit a session request to the data service and receive a session reply, the reply indicates if the manager is authorized for encrypted service, the processor validates authenticity of the session reply using the EPK; determine whether to enable message encryption, and transmit an initialization request indicating whether encryption is elected; generate a key derivation key (KDK) and transmit the KDK to the data service; receive an initiation response confirming whether message encryption is elected; and when elected generate at least one Message Encryption Key (MEK) from the KDK; encrypt data service uplink and downlink messages using the at least one MEK.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. patent application is a divisional application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/970,552, titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORENCRYPTED VEHICLE DATA SERVICE EXCHANGES”, filed on May 3, 2018, whichis hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Operators of commercial vehicles, such as aircraft, trains and ships,have an increasing interest in leveraging broadband IP-based datalinksto communicate operations information between the vehicles and theiroff-vehicle data management systems. This is in part because routingdata through broadband IP-based datalinks tends to provide higherbandwidth and more cost-effective options as compared to traditionaldatalinks routed through Datalink Service Providers (DSPs). A problemthat comes with broadband IP-based datalinks, however, is thatcommunications between the vehicle and the off-vehicle data managementsystems becomes susceptible to malicious interference from other trafficsharing the same IP network (such as the public Internet for example).For example, messages spoofing the operator's central informationmanagement systems may be received by the vehicle from other users ofthe network, or even by passengers on the vehicle who are utilizing IPcommunications and entertainment services offer to passengers. Even ifnot manipulated, such communication exchanges could be monitored toobtain sensitive data not intended for public knowledge. In manyinstances, it is paramount that the on-vehicle communications functionsare able to securely exchange communications with the off-vehicle datamanagement systems ensure the safe and efficient operation of thevehicle.

One approach know in the art is to distribute certificates so thaton-vehicle communications functions can authenticate and encryptmessages they exchange with off-vehicle data management systems.Certificates would permit the on-vehicle communications functions tosign and encrypt messages it sends and to review the certificates ofmessages it receives to determine their authenticity. One problem thatexist with the certificate approach is the ongoing need to renewcertificates stored on in the on-vehicle communications functions whenthey expire. Another is the need to reload a valid certificate whenequipment is replaced during maintenance. For example in the case of acommercial aircraft, the aircraft operator may need to quickly pull outan avionics device and replace that unit between flights. New and validcertificates would need to be loaded onto the avionics device to enableto sign downlink messages and authenticate uplink message. A certificatesystem would therefore increase the time necessary to perform thatreplacement, which can delay departure schedules. Symmetric key schemes,which do not rely on certificates, and traditional certificate-basedasymmetric key schemes are known, but these systems as they exists todayalso present problems. Specifically, they both force on the on-vehiclecommunications function the need to protect either the symmetric key, orthe private key of a public/private asymmetric key pair, from disclosureto maintain communications integrity, which can increase the cost andcomplexity of the on-board equipment in order for it to provide theneeded security.

For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below whichwill become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading andunderstanding the specification, there is a need in the art for systemsand methods for encrypted vehicle data service exchanges.

SUMMARY

The Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and systemsfor encrypted vehicle data service exchanges and will be understood byreading and studying the following specification.

In one embodiment, a vehicle communication manager device locatedonboard a vehicle comprises a memory comprising a non-volatile memorydevice storing a fixed embedded public key, wherein the embedded publickey is a public key of a public-private key pair associated with a dataservice system not onboard the vehicle; a processor in communicationwith a wireless datalink transceiver; a vehicle data service protocolexecuted by the processor, wherein the vehicle data service protocolinitiates a communication session for data service exchanges with thedata service system via the wireless datalink transceiver; wherein thevehicle data service protocol causes the processor to: transmit asession request message to the data service system, and receive asession reply message from the data service system in response to thesession request message, wherein the session reply message indicates ifthe vehicle communication manager is authorized for encrypted dataservice exchanges, and wherein the processor is configured to validatean authenticity of the session reply message using the embedded publickey; determine whether to enable message encryption if the session replymessage indicates that the vehicle communication manager is authorizedfor encrypted data service exchanges, and transmit an initializationrequest message to the data service system that includes an indicationof whether message encryption is elected; generate a key derivation keyand transmit the key derivation key to the data service system, whereinthe key derivation key is encrypted within the initialization requestmessage using a public operational encryption key received in thesession reply message; receive an initiation response message from thedata service system that includes an indication confirming whethermessage encryption is elected; when the initiation response messageconfirms that message encryption is elected generate at least oneMessage Encryption Key (MEK) by applying the key derivation key to a keyderivation function; encrypt data service downlink messages transmittedto a host data service of the data service system using the at least onemessage encryption key, and decrypt data service uplink messagesreceived from the host data service using the at least one messageencryption key.

DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure can be more easily understood andfurther advantages and uses thereof more readily apparent, whenconsidered in view of the description of the preferred embodiments andthe following figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle data service system of oneembodiment of the present disclosure

FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B are process flow diagrams illustrating a process forestablishing encrypted communications between a vehicle communicationmanager and a data service system as shown in FIG. 1 using an embeddedpublic key.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle communication manageras shown in FIG. 1 of one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an integrated data service systemfor a vehicle data service system of one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a subscriber validation serviceof a non-integrated data service system for a vehicle data servicesystem of one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a host data service of anon-integrated data service system for a vehicle data service system ofone embodiment of the present disclosure.

In accordance with common practice, the various described features arenot drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize features relevant to thepresent disclosure. Reference characters denote like elements throughoutfigures and text.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of specific illustrative embodiments in which the embodiments may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, and it isto be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and thatlogical, mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure. The following detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Embodiments described herein are based on a hybrid symmetric andpublic-private key system that utilizes an embedded public key in lieuof a public key certificate approach. Moreover, any need to storeassociated device private keys on the vehicle is eliminated.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle diagram illustrating avehicle data service system 100 of one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, vehicle data service system 100 includesa data service system 120 and at least one vehicle 110 that subscribesto data services offered by the data service system 120. Vehicle 110 isnot limited to any one type of vehicle, but in alternate embodiments maycomprise, for example, any form of automobile, truck, train, aircraft,spacecraft, or water vessel. Data service system 120 may comprise one ormore network nodes, servers, data storage devices with databases and/orother devices configured to provide one or more vehicles, such asvehicle 110, with data such as but not limited to travel advisories,weather information, passenger and/or cargo manifests, gate and/orterminal information, destination and routing information and schedules,clearances, maintenance data, passenger entertainment, and/or publicInternet connectivity. In some implementations, vehicle 110 comprises anaircraft and data service system 120 provides Aircraft CommunicationsAddressing and Reporting System (ACARS) data services, which may behosted, for example, by a government agency, an airline's operationsdepartment, or as a third-party subscription service.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the data service system 120 comprisestwo primary components, a subscriber validation service 122 and at leastone host data service 124. As explained in greater detail below, thehost data service 124 comprises one or more servers that operate toprovide vehicle 110 with the data described above through the exchangeof uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) data service messages. In someembodiments, the data service system 120 may comprise multiple host dataservices 124. For example, in some embodiments, two independent hostdata service 120 elements within the same data service system 120 may beutilized to provide load balance or to implements a secondary host dataservice 124 that acts as backup for a primary host data service 124. Inother embodiments, data service system 120 may include access tomultiple host data services 124 separated from subscriber validationservice 122, with each host data services 124 applicable to differentfleet operators or airlines, for example. It should be noted thatregardless of how many host data service 124 instances are accessiblethrough the data service system 120, vehicle 110 will need to go throughthe subscriber validation service 122 first, before being granted accessto any host data service 124.

The subscriber validation service 122 functions to authenticate thatvehicle 110 is authorized to access the services of the host dataservice 124, and provides the vehicle 110 with a set of publicoperational keys that are used for establishing communications with thehost data service 124. As explained below, with embodiments of thepresent disclosure, the vehicle 110 need only ever store the public keyof any public-private key pair, alleviating vehicle 110 of thecomplexities and/or expensive hardware needed to store private keys andthe risks of having such private keys extracted from vehicle hardware byunscrupulous actors.

In some embodiments, the subscriber validations service 122 and hostdata service 124 may be integrated together as a single computing systemand/or network operated by a single system operator. In otherembodiments, the subscriber validation service 122 may operate with oneor more separate host data services 124 hosted on networks independentof those used for the subscriber validation service 122. For example,access to data service providers may be offered as a service by theoperator of the subscriber validation service 122 while the actualrelevant data and servers to provide that data resides with the hostdata service 124. For embodiments where the subscriber validationservice 122 and host data service 124 are not physically integrated as asingle system, they may be communicatively connected by a proprietarycommunications link 107 between the two services. Alternatively, thesubscriber validation service 122 and host data service 124 may eachcomprise network connections 106 with a network 105 (which may comprisean Internet Protocol (IP) network such as but not limited to the publicInternet, for example) and communicate through network 105 via thenetwork connections 106. It should be noted that for still otherimplementations that include multiple available host data services 124,one or more of those available host data service 124 may be integratedwith the subscriber validations service 122, while one or more otherhost data service 124 may be hosted on by operators on networksindependent of those used for the subscriber validation service 122.

As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 110 establishes a wireless connection104 with the network 105 through which it communicates to access theservices of the data service system 120. The wireless connection 104 maybe established using any applicable form of wireless connectivityincluding, but not limited to, IEEE 802.11 (WiFi), cellularcommunications, optical communications, or other radio and/or satellitecommunications. Onboard vehicle 110, a vehicle communications manager112 comprises the functionality to implement protocols, described below,for establishing communications between the vehicle 110 and the dataservice system 120. For example, vehicle communications manager 112 mayexecute an Internet Protocol (IP) stack for exchanging messages andpackets with the network 105. In some embodiments, the vehiclecommunications manager 112 may be implemented as one or more specializedhardware components onboard the vehicle. In other embodiments, some orall of the functions attributed to the vehicle communications manager112 may be virtualized or otherwise executed or performed by otheronboard vehicle components. As shown in FIG. 1, at least one componentof the vehicle communications manager 112 stores an embedded public key(EPK) 114 with which it may authenticate messages from the subscribervalidation service 122. For example, the EPK may be either hardcoded orotherwise embedded in a non-volatile memory storage device such asfirmware, EPROM, non-volatile memory, or other non-volatile hardwarecomponents of the vehicle communications manager 112, for example. Asthe term is used herein, a non-volatile memory storage device maycomprise any long-term persistent storage hardware that maintains saveddata even when power is removed.

There is no need for vehicle communications manager 112 to hold its ownprivate key, or otherwise store public key infrastructure (PKI) digitalcertificates in order to utilize the EPK 114. As such, EPK 114 isreferred to herein as a self-reliant public key as it is a public keyreliant on own authenticity and ability to authenticate messages fromthe subscriber validation service without the need for further resourcesbeyond the EPK 114 itself. Moreover, as further explained below, thevehicle communications manager 112 in the embodiments described herein,never needs to obtain possession of any PKI private key in order toestablish bidirectional authenticated communications with the dataservice system 120.

FIG. 2 is a process flow diagram illustrating the process ofestablishing authenticated and encrypted communications between thevehicle communication manager 112 and the data service system 120 usingthe EPK 114. The fixed EPK 114 is utilized to setup a secure encryptedconnection between the vehicle 112 and data service system 120 throughdistinct message exchange sequences which comprise a subscribervalidation sequence 210 and a session initiation sequence 230.Successful completion of the subscriber validation sequence 210 and thesession initiation sequence 230 leads to the ability to perform dataservice exchanges 250. It should be understood that in the processillustrated in FIG. 2, the same EPK 114 may be embedded within and usedacross multiple vehicles on an operator's vehicle fleet. That is, theEPK 114 may be set at the equipment factory so that equipment spareparts received and/or warehoused by the vehicle operator will alreadyhave the necessary key pre-installed EPK 114 for performing the exchangeshown in FIG. 2. It should also be noted that the pre-installed EPK 114may be refreshed during periodic vehicle upgrades to mitigate the riskof compromised associated private keys. As will be described in greaterdetail below, the embedded EPK is used to initiate the communicationssession. Once initiated, the subscriber validation service 122 willdeliver a set of operational keys to the vehicle communication manager112 in the subscriber validation sequence 210. During the sessioninitiation sequence 230, the vehicle communication manager 112 and thehost data service 124 will exchange information in order to eachindependently generate a shared message authentication and encryptionkeys that are known to both, unique to that communication session, andwhich may be used to authenticate and encrypt the exchange of uplink(UL) and downlink (DL) data service messages.

The subscription validation sequence 210 begins at 212 where the vehiclecommunications manager 112 transmits a session request message 213 tothe subscriber validation service 122 of the data service system 120. Asshown in FIG. 2, the session request message 213 comprises at least aprotocol ID associated with the EPK 114 and a Client ID. The protocol IDindicates to the subscriber validation service 122 which version of theEPK 114 the vehicle communication manager 112 is using. That is, whilethe same EPK 114 may be used across multiple vehicles, it is also truethat different sets of vehicle may operate using different EPKs. Forexample a firmware update to upgrade a vehicle communication manger 112may also update the EPK 114 embedded in that vehicle communicationmanger 112. As such, an operator's fleet may comprise some vehicleswhere the firmware update has been performed, and others where thefirmware update has not been performed. The protocol ID thus indicateswhich EPK 114 the vehicle has so that the subscriber validation service122 may access the correct associated private key that corresponds tothe EPK 114. The Client ID, may be used to identify the operator of thevehicle 110, or otherwise the holder of the subscription to the dataservice that vehicle 110 operates under. For example, where the dataservice system 120 offers services to multiple operators (for example,different airlines) the Client ID will identify said operator of vehicle110.

The subscriber validation service 122 will securely store a respectiveprivate key, referred to herein as a “subscriber verification privatekey”, for each valid EPK which it recognizes as valid. For example,based on the protocol ID in the session request 213, the subscribervalidation service 122 will retrieve and/or identify the subscriberverification private key associated with the EPK 114 as shown at 214.The subscriber validation service 122 will validate the currentsubscription status, as shown at 215, to authenticate that the sessionrequest 213 has been received by an authorized user of the data servicesystem 120. For example, if the operator's subscription is suspended,the subscriber validation service 122 may decline to grant access, evenif the EPK 114 is otherwise a valid key. In some embodiments, thesubscriber validation service 122 may have access to a database or otherdata server in order to compare the Protocol ID and/or Client IDreceived with a listing of active subscriptions and determine whetherthe subscription held by the vehicle's operator includes encryptionservices. The subscriber validation service 122 can also at this pointdetermine if the subscription further includes one or more optionalservices such a data compression, for example.

Once the subscription and availability of the encryption option isconfirmed at 215, the sequence 210 continues to 216 where the subscribervalidation service 122 retrieves a set of public operational keysassociated with the host data service 124 for which the vehicle 110holds a valid subscription. The set of public operational keys includesa public operational authentication key (OAK) and a public operationalencryption key (OEK). In some embodiments, the public OAK and OEK aregenerated and provided by the host data service 124 to the subscribervalidation service 122. The subscriber validation service 122 thengenerates and sends a session reply message 218 back to the vehiclecommunication manager 112. The session reply message 218 includes thepublic OAK and OEK and an indication of whether encryption service isauthorized for the vehicle communication manager 112, and is signed bythe Subscriber Verification Private Key. For embodiments where thesubscriber validation service 122 and host data service 124 are notintegrated, the session reply message 218 may further include a networkaddress for the host data service 124. In one such embodiment, thenetwork address for the host data service 124 may be based onsubscription status information associated with the Protocol ID and/orClient ID.

It should be noted that the vehicle communication manager 112 again doesnot receive, and thus has no reason to be configured to store, anyprivate keys associated with the public OAK and OEK. Moreover, becausethe session reply message 218 is signed using the SubscriberVerification Private Key that corresponds to the EPK 114, the vehiclecommunication manager 112 may authenticate that the session replymessage 218 is being received from a valid source as shown at 219.

Once the vehicle communication manager 112 receives the public OAK andOEK, the subscription validation sequence 210 is complete, and thesession initiation sequence 230 may commence. The session initiationsequence 230 begins at 232 with the vehicle communication manager 112generating a Key Derivation Key (KDK) onboard the vehicle 110. Thevehicle communication manager 112 may also at this point determinewhether to enable message encryption, based on whether it supports thecapability and whether it is authorized per the session reply message218. The KDK is encrypted using the public OEK. An initializationrequest message 234 is generated by the vehicle communication manager112 which includes the encrypted KDK and optionally an indication ofwhether message encryption is elected. The initialization requestmessage 234 is transmitted to the host data service 124. In someembodiments where the host data service 124 and subscriber validationservice 122 are integrated, the initialization request message 234 maybe transmitted back to the same network address that the session request213 was transmitted to. In other embodiments where the host data service124 and subscriber validation service 122 are not integrated, theinitialization request message 234 may be transmitted to the networkaddress indicated by the subscriber validation service 122 in thesession reply message 218. The host data service 124, upon receiving theinitialization request message 234 will decrypt the KDK using a privateOEK corresponding to the public OEK, extract the KDK, and identify theelection of an optional services, if applicable. At 236, the host dataservice 124 may then acknowledge receipt of the KDK by sending back tothe vehicle communication manager 112 an initialization response message237. The initialization response message may further confirm theelection of optional services. The initialization response message 237is signed by the host data service 124 using the private OAK so thatwhen the vehicle communication manager 112 received the initializationresponse message 237, it may use the public OAK it received to validatethat the initialization response message 237 is being received from avalid source as shown at 238.

At this point in the session initialization sequence 230, the vehiclecommunication manger 112 and the host data service 124 will both be inpossession of a shared item of information, the KDK, that was initiallygenerated on-board the vehicle at the beginning of the sessioninitialization sequence 230. From this point, the vehicle communicationmanager 112 and host data service 124 will each independently generate aset of matching symmetric keys, referred to herein as the MessageAuthentication Key (MAK) and Message Encryption Key (MEK). Morespecifically, the vehicle communication manager 112 applies the KDK to akey derivation function (KDF) in order to generate a local copy of theMessage Authentication Key (MAK) and Message Encryption Key (MEK) asshown at 240. Note that the MEK would not be generated if the encryptionoption is not authorized, elected, and confirmed via the session reply,initialization request, and initialization response messages, asdiscussed above.

The MAK and MEK generated onboard the vehicle 110 are each locallystored by the vehicle communication manager 112. The host data service124, as shown at 242, also applies the KDK to the same KDF in order togenerate an identical set of the Message Authentication Key (MAK) andMessage Encryption Key (MEK), which are locally stored by the host dataservice 124. As such, the host data service 124 and vehiclecommunication manager 112 will complete the session initiation sequence230 both in possession of the same MAK and MEK without ever having totransmit the MAK or MEK through the Network 105. In some embodiments, inaddition to inputting the KDK, the KDF may further input additional dataknown to both the host data service 124 and vehicle communicationmanager 112 as seed data for generating the MAK and MEK. For example, insome embodiments, the KDF may input as additional seed data one or moreparameters such as, but not limited to, a timestamp of theinitialization request message 234, a timestamp of the initializationresponse message 237, the signature applied to the initializationresponse message 237, and/or the network address of the host dataservice 124. Inclusion of the timestamps of the initialization requestmessage 234 and initialization response message 237 has the advantage ofprotecting against capture and replay attacks. For example, messages maybe considered valid for only limited durations of time and alteration oftimestamps will invalidate the signatures applied to those messages. Insome embodiments, the MEK may comprise a first message encryption keyassociated with data service uplink messages and a second messageencryption key, different from the first message encryption key,associated with data service downlink messages.

Upon completion of the session initiation sequence, the vehiclecommunication manger 112 and the host data service 124 will both be inpossession of shared MEK and MAK, and encrypted data service exchangesmay begin as shown in 250 to send information back and forth. For theremainder of this session, the vehicle communication manager 112 may usethe MEK to encrypt data service DL messages 253 (as shown at 252) andthe host data service 124 may decrypt and extract received data serviceDL messages 253 using its copy of the same MEK (as shown at 254).Similarly, the host data service 124 may encrypt data service ULmessages 256 (as shown at 255) and the vehicle communication manager 112may decrypt and extract receive data service UL messages 256 using theMEK (as shown at 257). In some embodiments, the encryption algorithmsused to encrypt the data service UL and DL messages may be a symmetricblock or steam cipher that uses the MEK to transform plaintext intociphertext. Such a symmetric cyrypto-algorithm may be executed veryquickly so that the encryption process does not produce any significantlatency issues.

The entire process to arrive at the shared MAK and MEK keys is achievedwithout the need to ever store a private key onboard the vehicle 110 butstill provide bidirectional authenticity, security and encryption. Thesubscriber validation service 122 and host data service 124 may beintegrated, or alternatively separate and provided by different entitiesand hardware. Moreover, the MAK and MEK are valid for the length of asingle communications session. Once a connection is lost, the sessionends the MAK and MEK become void.

FIG. 2A is a process flow diagram illustrating a process of data servicedownlink message encryption during the data service exchanges 250 forone embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown at 260, anapplication executed by an on-board processing resource generates a dataservice DL message. For example, in one embodiment, the application maycomprise an ACARS application executed by an aircraft's CommunicationManagement Unit. The data service DL message may comprise a request toobtain information from the host data service 124, or alternately areply to provide information to the host data service 124. In someembodiments, if an optional service such as data compression isavailable, the vehicle communication manager 112 may apply that serviceto the data service DL message as shown at 261.

While in some embodiments encryption may be performed simply by applyingthe MEK to the message payload, in other embodiments, in order tofurther strengthen the encryption applied to a data service UL or DLmessage, the MEK is used in combination with an Initialization Vector(IV). In one such embodiments, the data service DL message is encryptedat 264 as a function of the MEK 263 and an IV produced by an IVgenerator 265. The IV generator 265 produces a periodically changingarbitrary number, An IV value that is output by the IV generator 265 isused along with the MEK in order to perform the data encryption. Asdiscussed further below, an IV generator 268 located at the host dataservice 124 is programed to produce an identical IV as the IV generator265 at any given point in time. Thus, the IV at any one point in timecomprises a value that is simultaneously known to both the vehiclecommunication manager 122 and the host data service 124. In someembodiments, the IV may be valid for only a given length of time after adata service DL message is encrypted. As such, even though a non-varyingconstant MEK 263 is used for the duration of the communications session,the current IV used in conjunction with the MEK 263 may change betweenmessages. After encryption is performed, the encrypted data service DLmessage 253 is transmitted across the network 105 to the network addressof the host data service 124.

At the host data service 124 the MEK associated with vehicle 110 isstored in an MEK vault 266 within which the MEK for a specific vehicle110 is kept encrypted using the private OEK associated with that vehicle110. It should be understood that since the Host Data Service 124 mayhave multiple communication sessions established with multiple differentvehicles, each vehicle's unique MEK will be securely stored in the MEKvault 266 and encrypted using the private OEK associated with eachrespective vehicle. When the encrypted data service DL message 253 isreceived at the host data service 124, the appropriate MEK is retrievedfrom the MEK vault 266 and decrypted using the private OEK as shown at267. The data service downlink (DL) message is then decrypted at 269 asa function of the just decrypted MEK and an Initialization Vector (IV)produced by an IV generator 268. The Host Data Service's IV generator268 is programed so that it will compute an IV value matching the IVvalue generated by the onboard IV generator 265. As such the MEK and IVvalue used to encrypt the data service DL message at 264 will be thesame MEK and IV value applied at 269 to decrypt the data service DLmessage at 269 and recover the data service DL message at 271. Forembodiments where optional services such as compression were applied at261, then the corresponding recovery service, such as decompression, canbe applied at 270 to arrive at the original data service DL message at271.

FIG. 2B is a process flow diagram illustrating a process of data serviceuplink message encryption during the data service exchanges 250 for oneembodiment of the present disclosure. As shown at 280, an applicationexecuted by the host data service 124 generates a data service ULmessage. For example, in one embodiment, the application may comprise anACARS application. The data service UL message may comprise a request toobtain information from an application on the vehicle 110, oralternately a reply to provide information to an application on thevehicle 110. In some embodiments, if an optional service such as datacompression is available, the host data service 124 may apply thatservice to the data service UL message as shown at 281.

Once the encrypted data service UL message 253 is generated andavailable at the host data service 124, the appropriate MEK associatedwith the vehicle 110 is retrieved from the MEK vault 266 and decryptedusing the private OEK as shown at 267. The data service UL message isthen encrypted at 282 as a function of the MEK and an InitializationVector (IV) produced by IV generator 268. The encrypted data service ULmessage 256 may then be transmitted across the network 105 to thevehicle communication manager 112. As with the downlink processdescribed in FIG. 2A, for uplink messages, the host data service's IVgenerator 268 is programed so that it will compute an IV value matchingthe IV value generated by the onboard IV generator 265. As such the MEKand IV value used to encrypt the data service UL message at 282 will bethe same MEK and IV value applied to decrypt the data service UL messageat the Vehicle Communication Manager 112.

When the encrypted data service UL message 253 is received at thevehicle communication manager, the MEK 263 stored on-board the vehicleand the locally generated IV are applied to decrypt the Data Service ULmessage as shown at 283. In some embodiments, the encrypted data serviceUL message 256 is further protected by the host data service 124 usingthe MAK, or signed using the private OAK or the MAK. In suchembodiments, the data service UL message may be authenticated at 284(using the associated public OAK or MEK stored onboard vehicle 110) andthen the signature subsequently removed at 285. For embodiments whereoptional services such as compression were applied at 281, then thecorresponding recovery service, such as decompression, can be applied at285 to arrive at the original data service UL message at 286.

It should be understood that there are a number of ways in which the IVgenerators 265 and 268 may be programed in order to compute matching IVvalues. For example, in some embodiments, IV data may be computed as:

IV_(data)=(DIR∥VALUE∥PAD)

where DIR has a first value (e.g. 0x00) for DL messages and a secondvalue (e.g. 0x01) for UL messages, VALUE is a changing valuesimultaneously known to both IV generators 265 and 268, and PADcomprising one or more padding bits (for example, to bring the IVdata toa predetermined set bit length such as 128 bits in length). In someembodiments, an IV_(n) value may be computed as:

IV_(n) =E(KEY,IV_(data);DATA)

where the function E( ) comprises an encryption function comprising anencryption algorithm such as, but not limited to AES128-CFB128encryption and DATA is a padding of zeros, such as 128 bits of binaryzeros. In that case, the resulting IV_(n) is 128 bits in length and maybe used for the encryption and decryption processes. In otherembodiments, 256 bits may be used, resulting in an IV_(n) that is 256 inlength and may be used for the encryption and decryption processes. Instill other embodiments, other bit lengths may be used. The encryptionof a data service UL or DL message may then be calculated as:

Encrypted Data Service Message=E(KEY,IV;Data Service Message)

Similarly, the decryption of an encrypted data service UL or DL messagemay then be calculated as:

Data Service Message=E(KEY,IV;Encrypted Data Service Message)

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a vehicle communication manager112 of one embodiment of the present disclosure. As discussed above, insome embodiments, the elements of the vehicle communication manager 112may be implemented using discrete hardware components. In otherembodiments, one or more the elements of the vehicle communicationmanager 112 may be virtualized and executed by processing hardwareonboard the vehicle 110. For example, where the vehicle 110 comprises anaircraft, the vehicle communication manager 112 described herein may berealized within either a communications management unit (CMU) deviceinstalled on the aircraft, or within a communications managementfunction (CMF) executed via onboard processing hardware.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle communication manager 112comprises a processor 310 coupled to a memory 312 and programed toexecute code to perform the functions of the vehicle communicationmanager described in this disclosure. The processor 310 has access to adata storage hardware device 311 in which the EPK 114 is embedded. Theprocessor is coupled to at least one wireless datalink transceiver 330through which wireless communication links 104 with the network 105 areestablished. For embodiments where the network 105 comprises an IPnetwork, the vehicle communication manager 112 comprises an IP stack 320through which communications traffic via links 104 are transmitted andreceived by the vehicle communication manager 112 are processed. In oneembodiment, the vehicle communication manager 112 further comprises avehicle data service protocol 340 which may be stored in the memory 312and executed by the processor 310 to carry out the subscriptionvalidation sequence 210, session initiation sequence 230 and dataservice exchanges 250 attributed to the vehicle communication manager112. The vehicle communication manager 112 may further comprise at leastone authentication and encryption function 350 stored in the memory 312and executed by the processor 310 to carry out the message signing,authentication, encryption, and decryption processes for carrying outthe subscription validation sequence 210, session initiation sequence230 and data service exchanges 250. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3, thevehicle communication manager 112 further comprises a temporary keystore 360 (which may be within memory 312) for storing the public OAKand OEK, the KDK, and the MEK and MAK keys used through-out thesubscription validation sequence 210, session initiation sequence 230and data service exchanges 250. While the EPK 114 remains embeddedwithin the vehicle communication manager for long term use, the keysstored in the key store may be discarded after a data service session iscompleted.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a data service system 120 of oneembodiment of the present disclosure where the subscriber validationservice 122 and host data service 124 comprise an integratedimplementation. That is, in this embodiment, the subscription serviceprovider and the provider hosting the endpoint vehicle data servicesservers are the same.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the data service system 120 comprisesa processor 410 coupled to a memory 412 and programed to execute code toperform the functions of the data service system 120 described in thisdisclosure. The processor 410 has access to a private key vault 414 inwhich the subscriber verification private keys 416 are securely stored.In embodiments, the private key vault 414 comprises a secure hardwaredevice vault or chip comprising protection mechanisms designed to storeprivate keys in an encrypted format.

In one embodiment, when a message needs to be encrypted, decrypted,signed or authenticated using a private key, the message is sent to theprivate key vault 414 and processed internally by the private key vault414 which then generates an output that is encrypted, decrypted, signedor authenticated using the appropriate private key. In one embodiment,the private key vault 414 stores an associated subscriber verificationprivate key for each respective EPK 114 recognized by the subscribervalidation service 122. As shown in FIG. 4, the private key vault 414 inthis particular integrated embodiment also stores operational privatekeys 418, associated with the public OAK and OEK keys transmitted to thevehicle communication manager 112. The operational private keys 418 maybe applied to messages by the processor 410 in the same manner as justdescribed for the subscriber verification private keys 416.

The processor 410 is coupled to at least one network interface 440through which communication links 106 with the network 105 areestablished. For embodiments where the network 105 comprises an IPnetwork, the data service system 120 comprises an IP stack 420 throughwhich communications traffic via links 106 are transmitted and received.In one embodiment, the data service system 120 further comprises avehicle data service protocol 455 which may be stored in the memory 412and executed by the processor 410 to carry out the subscriptionvalidation sequence 210, session initiation sequence 230 and dataservice exchanges 250 attributed to the data service system 120.Moreover, as shown in FIG. 4, the data service system 120 furthercomprises a temporary key store 460 (which may be within memory 412) forstoring the public OAK and OEK, the KDK, and the MAK and MEK keys usedthrough-out the subscription validation sequence 210, session initiationsequence 230 and data service exchanges 250. The data service system 120may further comprise at least one authentication and encryption function465 stored in the memory 412 and executed by the processor 410 to carryout the message signing, authentication, encryption, and decryptionprocesses using the public and symmetrical keys associated with thosecryptographic processes performed at the data service system 120. Forembodiments where IVs are used together with the MEK, the data servicesystem 120 may further comprise the IV generator 268 which may be astand-alone hardware component or an application executed by theprocessor 410.

In one embodiment, the data service system 120 comprises a subscriptionverification function 470 which may be stored in the memory 412 andexecuted by the processor 410 to perform the subscription status andoptions check at 215 of the subscription validation sequence. In oneembodiment, subscription status and options information is stored in thememory 412 which may be updated at some periodic basis. The subscriptionverification function 470 may then access this information from thememory 412. In other embodiments, the subscription verification function470 may communicate with another subscription status and optionsinformation (such as via network 105) in order to validate thesubscription status and optional service available to a vehicle. In someembodiments, the subscription verification function 470 may utilize theProtocol ID and/or Client ID to retrieve information regarding thesubscription status, and encryption availability, and other optionalservice available to a vehicle. The vehicle data service 450 maycomprise a plurality of functions executed by processor 410 and/ordistributed across other processing systems for delivering the vehicledata services subscribed to by the operator of the vehicle 110. That is,the data service DL messages 253 and data service UL messages 256exchanged with the vehicle communication manager 112 are processed bythe vehicle data service 450 to provide the vehicle 110 with the data towhich it subscribes. For example, in the case where vehicle 110comprises an aircraft and data service system 120 provides ACARS dataservices, the vehicle data service 450 is the element of the host dataservice 124 that actually performs and provides the ACARS data services.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are block diagrams illustrating a data service system 120of one embodiment of the present disclosure where the subscribervalidation service 122 and host data service 124 are not integrated, butare instead fully separate services. That is, the functions of thesubscriber validations service 112 and the host data service 124 areseparated. In this embodiment, the subscriber validation service 122 mayreceive the public OEK and OAK from the host data service 124 (so thatit may forward them to the vehicle 110 to complete the subscriptionvalidation sequence 210) but not receive the associated private OEK andOAK, which are instead maintained strictly by the host data service 124.This configuration has the advantage of providing end-to-end securityfrom the perspective of the host data service 124 because the subscribervalidation service 122 is out of the loop and not involved in thecommunication of data service DL and UL messages, even though thesubscriber validation service 122 will still first validate that thehost data service 124 is authorized to have data service exchanges witha specific vehicle 110. The operator of the host data service 124 willgenerate and maintain the public and private OEK and OAK.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the subscriber validation service122 for such an embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, thesubscriber validation service 122 comprises a processor 510 coupled to amemory 512 and programed to execute code to perform the functions of thesubscriber validation service 122 described in this disclosure. Theprocessor 510 has access to a private key vault 514 in which thesubscriber verification private keys 516 are securely stored. Theprivate key vault 514 comprises a secure hardware device vault or chipcomprising protection mechanisms designed to store private keys in anencrypted format such as described with respect to FIG. 4 and privatekey vault 414.

In one embodiment, when a message needs to be signed or authenticatedusing a private key, the message is sent to the private key vault 514and processed internally by the private key vault 514 which thengenerates an output that is signed or authenticated using theappropriate private key. In one embodiment, the private key vault 514stores an associated subscriber verification private key for eachrespective EPK 114 recognized by the subscriber validation service 122.The processor 510 is coupled to at least one network interface 540through which one or more communication links 106 with the network 105are established. For embodiments where the network 105 comprises an IPnetwork, the subscriber validation service 122 comprises an IP stack 520through which communications traffic via links 106 are transmitted andreceived. In one embodiment, the subscriber validation service 122further comprises a vehicle data service protocol 555 which may bestored in the memory 412 and executed by the processor 410 to carry outthe subscription validation sequence 210 attributed to the subscribervalidation service 122. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 5, the subscribervalidation service 122 further comprises a temporary key store 560(which may be within memory 512) for storing the public OAK and OEK,keys used during the subscription validation sequence 210. Thesubscriber validation service 122 may further comprise at least oneauthentication function 565 stored in the memory 512 and executed by theprocessor 510 to carry out message signing and authentication processesusing public keys.

In one embodiment, the subscriber validation service 122 comprises asubscription verification function 570 which may be stored in the memory512 and executed by the processor 510 to perform the subscriptionstatus, encryption availability, and options check at 215 of thesubscription validation sequence 210. In one embodiment, subscriptionstatus, encryption availability, and options information is stored inthe memory 512 which may be updated at some periodic basis. Thesubscription verification function 570 may then access this informationfrom the memory 512. In other embodiments, the subscription verificationfunction 570 may communicate with another subscription status andoptions information (such as via network 105) in order to validate thesubscription status and optional service available to a vehicle. In someembodiments, the subscription verification function 570 may utilize theProtocol ID and/or Client ID to retrieve information regarding thesubscription status and optional service available to a vehicle.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the host data service 124 for anon-integrated embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the hostdata service 124 comprises a processor 610 coupled to a memory 612 andprogramed to execute code to perform the functions of the host dataservice 124 described in this disclosure. The processor 610 has accessto a private key vault 614 in which securely stores the operationalprivate keys 518 associated with the public OAK and OEK keys transmittedto the vehicle communication manager 112. The private key vault 614comprises a secure hardware device vault or chip comprising protectionmechanisms designed to store private keys in an encrypted format such asdescribed with respect to FIG. 4 and private key vault 414.

In one embodiment, when a message needs to be signed or authenticatedusing a private key, or the KDK decrypted using a private key, themessage is sent to the private key vault 614 and processed internally bythe private key vault 614 which then generates an output that isdecrypted, signed/and or authenticated using the appropriate privatekey. In one embodiment, the private key vault 614 stores an associatedprivate OAK and OEK keys for each set of public OAK and OEK keysutilized for the host data service 124. The processor 610 is coupled toat least one network interface 640 through which one or morecommunication links 106 with the network 105 are established. Forembodiments where the network 105 comprises an IP network, the host dataservice 124 comprises an IP stack 620 through which communicationstraffic via links 106 are transmitted and received. In one embodiment,the host data service 124 further comprises a vehicle data serviceprotocol 555 which may be stored in the memory 612 and executed by theprocessor 610 to carry out the session initiation sequence 230 and dataservice exchanges 250 attributed to host data service 124. Moreover, asshown in FIG. 6, the host data service 124 further comprises a temporarykey store 660 (which may be within memory 612) for storing the publicOAK and OEK keys, the KDK, and the MAK and MEK keys used during thesession initiation sequence 230 and data service exchanges 250. The hostdata service 124 may further comprise at least one authentication andencryption function 665 stored in the memory 612 and executed by theprocessor 610 to carry out message signing, authentication, encryption,and decryption processes using the public and symmetrical keysassociated with those cryptographic processes performed at the host dataservice 124. The host data service 124 may further comprise the IVgenerator 268 which may be a stand-alone hardware component or anapplication executed by the processor 410.

The host data service 124 further comprises the vehicle data service650, which may include a plurality of functions executed by processor610 and/or distributed across other processing systems for deliveringthe vehicle data services subscribed to by the operator of the vehicle110. That is, the data service DL messages 253 and data service ULmessages 256 exchanged with the vehicle communication manager 112 areprocessed by the vehicle data service 650 to provide the vehicle 110with the data to which it subscribes. For example, in the case wherevehicle 110 comprises an aircraft and data service system 120 providesACARS data services, the vehicle data service 650 is the element of thehost data service 124 that actually performs and provides the ACARS dataservices.

Example Embodiments

Example 1 includes a vehicle communication manager device locatedonboard a vehicle, the device comprising: a memory comprising anon-volatile memory device storing a fixed embedded public key, whereinthe embedded public key is a public key of a public-private key pairassociated with a data service system not onboard the vehicle; aprocessor in communication with a wireless datalink transceiver; avehicle data service protocol executed by the processor, wherein thevehicle data service protocol initiates a communication session for dataservice exchanges with the data service system via the wireless datalinktransceiver; wherein the vehicle data service protocol causes theprocessor to: transmit a session request message to the data servicesystem, and receive a session reply message from the data service systemin response to the session request message, wherein the session replymessage indicates if the vehicle communication manager is authorized forencrypted data service exchanges, and wherein the processor isconfigured to validate an authenticity of the session reply messageusing the embedded public key; determine whether to enable messageencryption if the session reply message indicates that the vehiclecommunication manager is authorized for encrypted data serviceexchanges, and transmit an initialization request message to the dataservice system that includes an indication of whether message encryptionis elected; generate a key derivation key and transmit the keyderivation key to the data service system, wherein the key derivationkey is encrypted within the initialization request message using apublic operational encryption key received in the session reply message;receive an initiation response message from the data service system thatincludes an indication confirming whether message encryption is elected;when the initiation response message confirms that message encryption iselected generate at least one Message Encryption Key (MEK) by applyingthe key derivation key to a key derivation function; encrypt dataservice downlink messages transmitted to a host data service of the dataservice system using the at least one message encryption key, anddecrypt data service uplink messages received from the host data serviceusing the at least one message encryption key.

Example 2 includes the device of example 1, wherein the session requestmessage includes at least one identifier that identifies the embeddedpublic key stored in the memory.

Example 3 includes the device of any of examples 1-2, wherein thevehicle data service protocol includes a session validation sequencethat causes the processor to: transmit the session request message tothe data service system, the session request message including at leastone identifier that identifies the embedded public key; and wherein thesession reply message includes a public operational authentication key,a public operational encryption key, and is signed with a subscribervalidation private key associated with the embedded public key.

Example 4 includes the device of example 3, wherein the vehicle dataservice protocol includes a session initiation sequence that causes theprocessor to: transmit the initiation request message to the dataservice system, the session request message; validate the authenticityof the initiation response message received from the data service systemusing the public operational authentication key; and in response toaffirmatively validating the initiation response message, apply the keyderivation key to the key derivation function to generate the at leastone message encryption key.

Example 5 includes the device of example 4, wherein the data servicesystem comprises a subscription validation service and the host dataservice, wherein the vehicle communication manager communicates with thesubscription validation service during the session validation sequence,and wherein the vehicle communication manager communicates with the hostdata service during the session initiation sequence.

Example 6 includes the device of example 5, wherein the sessionvalidation sequence is accessible through a first network address andthe host data service is accessible through a second network address,wherein the second network address is communicated to the vehiclecommunication manager by the session reply message.

Example 7 includes the device of any of examples 1-6, wherein the atleast one message encryption key comprises a first message encryptionkey associated with data service uplink messages and a second messageencryption key, different from the first message encryption key,associated with data service downlink messages.

Example 8 includes the device of any of examples 1-7, wherein thevehicle is an aircraft comprising either a communication management unitor a communication management function that executes the vehicle dataservice protocol.

Example 9 includes the device of any of examples 1-8, further comprisingan initialization vector generator that outputs initialization vectors;wherein the processor encrypts the data service downlink messages as afunction of the at least one message encryption key and at least oneinitialization vector; wherein the processor decrypts the data serviceuplink messages as a function of the at least one message encryption keyand the at least one initialization vector.

Example 10 includes a vehicle data service system for providing to avehicle encrypted access to data services, the vehicle data servicesystem comprising: a processor in communication with a networkinterface; a private key vault device coupled to the processor; avehicle data service protocol executed by the processor, wherein thevehicle data service protocol establishes a communication session fordata service exchanges with a vehicle communication manager onboard thevehicle via the network interface; wherein the vehicle data serviceprotocol includes a session validation sequence that causes theprocessor to: determine a subscription status for the vehicle based onat least one identifier received from the vehicle in a session requestmessage, wherein the at least one identifier identifies an embeddedpublic key stored in vehicle communication manager, wherein thesubscription status indicates whether encryption services are availablefor the vehicle communication manager; send a session reply message tothe vehicle in response to the session request message, wherein thesession reply message indicates if the vehicle communication manager isauthorized for encrypted data service exchanges, wherein the sessionreply message is signed using a subscriber validation private keyassociated with the embedded public key.

Example 11 includes the vehicle data service system of example 10,wherein the session reply message further includes a public operationalauthentication key and a public operational encryption key.

Example 12 includes the vehicle data service system of example 11,wherein the public operational authentication key and the publicoperational encryption key are retrieved from a host data service basedon the subscription status.

Example 13 includes the vehicle data service system of any of examples11-12, wherein the data service system comprises a subscriptionvalidation service and a host data service, wherein the vehiclecommunication manager communicates with the subscription validationservice during the session validation sequence.

Example 14 includes the vehicle data service system of example 13,wherein the vehicle data service protocol further includes a sessioninitiation sequence, wherein the vehicle communication managercommunicates with the host data service during the session initiationsequence, wherein the session initiation sequence comprises: extractinga key derivation key from an initialization request message receivedfrom the vehicle communication manager, and applying the key derivationkey to a key derivation function to generate at least one messageencryption key when the subscription status indicates that encryptionservices are available for the vehicle communication manager and theinitialization request message includes an indication that messageencryption is elected; wherein the host data service is configured toencrypt data service uplink messages sent to the vehicle communicationmanager during the communication session using the at least one messageencryption key; wherein the host data service is configured to decryptdata service downlink messages received from the vehicle communicationmanager during the communication session using the at least one messageencryption key.

Example 15 includes the vehicle data service system of example 14, thehost data service further comprising an initialization vector generatorthat outputs initialization vectors; wherein the host data serviceencrypts the data service uplink messages as a function of the messageencryption key and at least one initialization vector.

Example 16 includes the vehicle data service system of example of 15,wherein the host data service decrypts the data service downlinkmessages as a function of the message encryption key and the at leastone initialization vectors.

Example 17 includes the vehicle data service system of any of examples14-16, wherein the at least one message encryption key comprises a firstmessage encryption key associated with data service uplink messages anda second message encryption key, different from the first messageencryption key, associated with data service downlink messages

Example 18 includes the vehicle data service system of any of examples14-17, wherein the key derivation key in the initialization requestmessage is encrypted.

Example 19 includes the vehicle data service system of any of examples13-18, wherein the subscription validation service is accessible througha first network address and the host data service is accessible througha second network address, wherein the second network address iscommunicated to the vehicle communication manager by the session replymessage.

Example 20 includes the vehicle data service system of any of examples10-19, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft comprising either acommunication management unit or a communication management functionthat implements the vehicle communication manager.

In various alternative embodiments, system and/or device elements,method steps, or example implementations described throughout thisdisclosure (such as but not limited to any of the Vehicle CommunicationManager, Data Service System Subscriber Validation Service, Host DataService, Public Key Stores, Private Key Vaults, IV Generators, DataService Protocols, Network Interfaces, Authentication and EncryptionFunctions, Subscription Verification Functions or sub-parts of anythereof, for example) may be implemented at least in part using one ormore computer systems, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), orsimilar devices comprising a processor coupled to a memory and executingcode to realize those elements, processes, or examples, said code storedon a non-transient hardware data storage device. Therefore otherembodiments of the present disclosure may include elements comprisingprogram instructions resident on computer readable media which whenimplemented by such computer systems, enable them to implement theembodiments described herein. As used herein, the term “computerreadable media” refers to tangible memory storage devices havingnon-transient physical forms. Such non-transient physical forms mayinclude computer memory devices, such as but not limited to punch cards,magnetic disk or tape, any optical data storage system, flash read onlymemory (ROM), non-volatile ROM, programmable ROM (PROM),erasable-programmable ROM (E-PROM), random access memory (RAM), or anyother form of permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary memory storagesystem or device having a physical, tangible form. Program instructionsinclude, but are not limited to computer-executable instructionsexecuted by computer system processors and hardware descriptionlanguages such as Very High Speed Integrated Circuit (VHSIC) HardwareDescription Language (VHDL).

As used herein, terms such as “server”, “system”, “service”, “manager”,“unit”, “transceiver”, “circuit”, “memory”, “module”, “interface”,“stack”, “generator” each refer to non-generic device elements thatwould be recognized and understood by those of skill in the art and arenot used herein as nonce words or nonce terms for the purpose ofinvoking 35 USC 112(f).

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose,may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This applicationis intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the presentedembodiments. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments belimited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle data service system for providing to avehicle encrypted access to data services, the vehicle data servicesystem comprising: a processor in communication with a networkinterface; a private key vault device coupled to the processor; avehicle data service protocol executed by the processor, wherein thevehicle data service protocol establishes a communication session fordata service exchanges with a vehicle communication manager onboard thevehicle via the network interface; wherein the vehicle data serviceprotocol includes a session validation sequence that causes theprocessor to: determine a subscription status for the vehicle based onat least one identifier received from the vehicle in a session requestmessage, wherein the at least one identifier identifies an embeddedpublic key stored in vehicle communication manager, wherein thesubscription status indicates whether encryption services are availablefor the vehicle communication manager; send a session reply message tothe vehicle in response to the session request message, wherein thesession reply message indicates if the vehicle communication manager isauthorized for encrypted data service exchanges, wherein the sessionreply message is signed using a subscriber validation private keyassociated with the embedded public key.
 2. The vehicle data servicesystem of claim 1, wherein the session reply message further includes apublic operational authentication key and a public operationalencryption key.
 3. The vehicle data service system of claim 2, whereinthe public operational authentication key and the public operationalencryption key are retrieved from a host data service based on thesubscription status.
 4. The vehicle data service system of claim 2,wherein the data service system comprises a subscription validationservice and a host data service, wherein the vehicle communicationmanager communicates with the subscription validation service during thesession validation sequence.
 5. The vehicle data service system of claim4, wherein the vehicle data service protocol further includes a sessioninitiation sequence, wherein the vehicle communication managercommunicates with the host data service during the session initiationsequence, wherein the session initiation sequence comprises: extractinga key derivation key from an initialization request message receivedfrom the vehicle communication manager, and applying the key derivationkey to a key derivation function to generate at least one messageencryption key when the subscription status indicates that encryptionservices are available for the vehicle communication manager and theinitialization request message includes an indication that messageencryption is elected; wherein the host data service is configured toencrypt data service uplink messages sent to the vehicle communicationmanager during the communication session using the at least one messageencryption key; wherein the host data service is configured to decryptdata service downlink messages received from the vehicle communicationmanager during the communication session using the at least one messageencryption key.
 6. The vehicle data service system of claim 5, the hostdata service further comprising an initialization vector generator thatoutputs initialization vectors; wherein the host data service encryptsthe data service uplink messages as a function of the message encryptionkey and at least one initialization vector.
 7. The vehicle data servicesystem of claim of claim 6, wherein the host data service decrypts thedata service downlink messages as a function of the message encryptionkey and the at least one initialization vectors.
 8. The vehicle dataservice system of claim 5, wherein the at least one message encryptionkey comprises a first message encryption key associated with dataservice uplink messages and a second message encryption key, differentfrom the first message encryption key, associated with data servicedownlink messages
 9. The vehicle data service system of claim 5, whereinthe key derivation key in the initialization request message isencrypted.
 10. The vehicle data service system of claim 4, wherein thesubscription validation service is accessible through a first networkaddress and the host data service is accessible through a second networkaddress, wherein the second network address is communicated to thevehicle communication manager by the session reply message.
 11. Thevehicle data service system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is anaircraft comprising either a communication management unit or acommunication management function that implements the vehiclecommunication manager.